Warm weather conditions made for a solid three-day weekend of area Fourth of July events with few hang ups and only a moderate dip in tourism from last year, despite higher gas prices and a rainy month of June.

AAA Michigan had forecast a slight dip in the number of vacationers traveling for the Independence Day holiday from Thursday, June 30, to Monday, July 4. About 1.2 million Michigan residents were estimated to travel -- a 2.5 percent decline from 2010, attributed to gas prices -- the agency reported.

Although too early to gauge the statistical impact on the area business community, responses by chamber directors and officials has been positive.

"My gut feeling is (the turnout) has been very strong," said Carlin Smith, Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce director. Smith made the rounds during the parade, said he felt there were large crowds at both the fireworks and parade.

"I thought the parade route was as strong as ever," he said.

Petoskey downtown director Becky Goodman added that she had heard from two local business owners who said business was very strong Friday and Saturday.

Accidents attributable to traffic or a larger number of people in the area were also minimal this year.

The Resort Bear Creek Fire Department handled two vehicle rollovers and two medical response calls during the weekend.

The Resort Bear Creek Fire Department manned the traffic in East Park overlooking the July 3 fireworks at Bay Harbor. More than 200 cars turned out at the park -- forcing the fire fighters to close off the maxed-out park to additional traffic.

However, the crowd didn't result in any major issues.

Communities across Northern Michigan reported large numbers of people at events throughout the weekend.

"Generally we had great crowds. The weather was just perfect," said Boyne Area Chamber director Jim Bowman. "The businesses were happy and busy."

Bowman said the crowds seemed to stick around to check out multiple events such as the annual duck race and that there was even a very large number of boats in the water for the fireworks. Bowman said there were initial concerns many people would go home because of the holiday being on Monday, but that didn't seem to be the case based on turnout.

"Some people thought it was a record crowd, but it is really hard to estimate those things because of the crowds on the street," Bowman said.

The Harbor Springs Police Department reported a smaller crowd than in previous years, based on traffic.

"The general consensus was there was about a third less people than usual at the fireworks," said Harbor Springs Police Officer David Heater.

One ambulance was called during the Harbor Springs parade to aid an elderly woman because of the heat, Heater said.

"The last couple years we have talked about record crowds and eye popping attendance," said Harbor Springs Area Chamber director Scott Herceg. "I don't really think we had that this year ... But, everything I was hearing was it was a good, solid Harbor Springs Fourth of July."